Demand remains strong for inspection services in Angola

Angola

Cândido Nâmbua, managing director of FN Lifting, talks to The Energy Year about the main developments at the company over the past year, its plans to expand its services and geographically and the demand for its non-destructive testing (NDT) services. FN Lifting is a provider of lifting equipment inspection and services.

What have been the main developments at FN Lifting over the past year?
Over the past 12 months, FN Lifting has continued to solidify its position as one of Angola’s leading companies specialising in the inspection and certification of lifting and load-handling equipment. This period has been marked by important achievements and a significant increase in workload.
The company is currently preparing for a large-scale project with a potential client that has recently expanded its drilling operations, which is expected to further boost demand for FN Lifting’s specialised services.
As part of its readiness strategy, FN Lifting has made substantial investments in upgrading and expanding its equipment portfolio. The company now owns some of the largest water bags available in Angola, including units ranging from 1 tonne to 100 tonnes. Additionally, new 100-tonne and 200-tonne load cells have recently entered into service, further enhancing FN Lifting’s ability to deliver high-standard technical solutions with safety and efficiency.
Another important development has been the growth in inspection and certification services for lifting accessories on board vessels operating in Angola’s maritime sector. Notably, FN Lifting has been actively performing agreed services on vessels for the SEACOR Marine and Bourbon fleets, contributing to the safe operation of offshore lifting systems.
These developments reflect FN Lifting’s strong commitment to operational excellence, safety and sustainable growth in Angola’s offshore industry.

Is vessel maintenance still part of FN Lifting’s expansion strategy?
Yes, vessel maintenance remains one of the strategic directions considered by FN Lifting for future expansion. We recognise that the ship maintenance sector, particularly for offshore vessels, presents a significant opportunity for diversification and growth within the Angolan market, which increasingly demands integrated technical solutions.
At present, the company continues to conduct technical and financial feasibility studies to implement this activity in a structured and sustainable manner. We are closely monitoring the needs of the maritime and offshore sectors, carefully evaluating potential partnerships, required technical competencies and the necessary investments to launch this new service line with the same level of excellence that characterises our current operations.
However, our current priority remains the strengthening and consolidation of our core activities, namely the inspection and certification of lifting equipment and accessories. This area continues to show strong demand and reliable returns, especially through ongoing projects with long-standing strategic partners in the sector.
FN Lifting takes a cautious yet forward-thinking approach. We aim to grow sustainably, without compromising the quality, safety and trust that our clients associate with our brand. Vessel maintenance remains firmly on our radar and may be incorporated into our service portfolio when the right conditions are in place to ensure its successful and high-standard implementation.

With Angola’s ageing infrastructure, how is FN Lifting responding to the growing demand for NDT services?
The demand for NDT services has been steadily increasing in Angola, driven by the ongoing need to monitor the structural integrity of metallic components in both offshore and onshore assets. With much of the country’s infrastructure showing signs of ageing, NDT plays a crucial role in ensuring safety, reliability and the extended service life of critical equipment and facilities.
FN Lifting has been actively addressing this demand by offering widely used and effective methods such as magnetic particle inspection and dye penetrant inspection. These services are performed by a qualified local team, enabling fast, cost-effective responses that comply with both national and international standards.
Our approach focuses on delivering practical and accessible solutions for industrial operators managing ageing assets. FN Lifting continues to invest in technician training, acquisition of testing equipment and strict quality assurance to ensure reliable and traceable inspection results.
Through this work, FN Lifting contributes not only to the safe extension of asset lifespans but also to the reduction of operational risks and corrective maintenance costs, playing a vital role in preserving structural integrity across various sectors of Angola’s industrial landscape.

How is FN Lifting contributing to the development of Angola’s workforce?
As a 100% Angolan-owned company, FN Lifting is strongly committed to the development of the local workforce. We believe that the sustainable growth of our organisation is closely tied to the empowerment and capacity building of Angolan professionals.
Today, our team is composed primarily of local employees, working across a wide range of technical and administrative functions. We consistently invest in hands-on training, technical certifications and specialised skill development, ensuring that our staff is equipped to meet the highest standards of the industrial and offshore sectors.
Moreover, we foster a culture of internal growth, offering career advancement opportunities and recognising individual merit. Many of our technicians started with us in junior roles and have grown into more senior technical and leadership positions over the years.
By strengthening local competencies, FN Lifting contributes directly to the development of Angola’s human capital, reduces the country’s reliance on foreign labour and supports national content goals set by industry regulators.

Are you operating outside Angola as well?
Yes. While FN Lifting is based in Angola and primarily focused on the national market, our services increasingly extend beyond borders, particularly in the offshore sector.
Many of the services we provide onboard vessels support operations currently underway in countries such as Namibia and Senegal, where oil and gas exploration and production activities are rapidly expanding. Since the vessels we service often operate internationally, our equipment, technical staff and certifications follow these operations into other West African territories.
This indirect presence in regional markets highlights the versatility, reliability and technical credibility of FN Lifting, positioning us not only as a leader in Angola but also as a strategic partner for international operations carried out by global companies in the region.

How do you attract and retain talent in this competitive environment, and how large is your team today?
At FN Lifting, we promote a collaborative and inclusive work culture, where every team member is valued and encouraged to grow alongside the company. We aim to provide a long-term career path, fostering internal development, merit-based recognition and ongoing training.
In recent years, our team has grown significantly, driven by the rising demand for our specialised services. This evolution highlights the importance of continuously investing in talent development and operational capacity, ensuring we maintain high-quality service delivery even within a highly competitive environment.

Is there a closing message you’d like to say to those seeking lifting equipment inspection services in Angola?
FN Lifting continues to evolve as a key player in Angola’s energy services sector, combining technical expertise, a strong local workforce and a clear strategic vision. By maintaining high standards in quality and safety, expanding its service offerings and building a reputation beyond borders, the company is well-positioned to support the offshore industry’s present needs and future challenges across the region.

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